Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is under investigation in New Zealand following allegations that he raped a Brazilian translator during the national team’s visit to the country in March.
According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, the 36-year-old footballer has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman who was hired by the Cape Verde Football Federation to serve as the team’s translator during the FIFA Series tournament in New Zealand.
The woman alleged that after Cape Verde’s match against Chile, she attended a gathering in one of the team’s hotel rooms. She claimed she later returned to her room after realising her translation services were not required.
In a statement reportedly given to New Zealand police, the woman alleged that Mendes later knocked on her hotel room door and forced his way inside after she opened it.
She accused the footballer of assaulting her before raping her. The complainant also submitted photographs of injuries to her mouth, neck, leg and side as part of the police investigation.
The woman further claimed she reported the incident to at least three officials of the Cape Verde Football Federation, but alleged that no action was taken.
New Zealand police are investigating the allegations and have reportedly obtained hotel security camera footage while awaiting forensic examination results before deciding whether to file charges.
The alleged assault was first reported by New Zealand media last month, although the player’s identity was not disclosed at the time. Brazilian media later identified Mendes as the footballer under investigation.
Mendes, who has featured in all three of Cape Verde’s matches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup and helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
FIFA said it is aware of the matter and is in contact with New Zealand authorities.
In a statement, world football’s governing body said it takes allegations of misconduct “extremely seriously” but declined to comment further or confirm whether any disciplinary proceedings are underway.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been announced.
